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Sony Cyber-Shot DSC HX1 vs Canon PowerShot SX1 IS: Superzoom Comparison
As we’ve “reported” now many times, one of the biggest trends in digital cameras is the superzoom. Boasting zoom lenses in the range of 20x zoom (and beyond), these superzooms offer some of the versatility found in a digital SLR camera, but in a smaller and more user-friendly package. Lately, it seems nearly every week a new superzoom is announced, but two of the most exciting were introduced (or re-introduced in Canon’s case) at this year’s PMA show. We’re talking, of course, about the Sony Cyber-shot DMC-HX1 and the Canon Powershot SX IS, which was available before hand outside of the U.S. Both are feature packed and are priced accordingly, with the Sony HX1 checking in at $500 and the Canon SX1 IS at a whopping $600. So how do they compare?
For the HX1, Sony went with a more sensible 9.1 megapixel sensor connected to 20x zoom lens with a total reach of 560mm! At that length camera shake becomes a major issue so Sony has implemented its “SteadyShot” image stabilization in order to provide sharper pictures. Additionally, the HX1 provides 2 camera modes that can combine in camera multiple exposures to eliminate motion blur. This is helped tremendously by another notable feature of the HX1, a 10 fps frame rate, thanks in part to that aforementioned “sensible” 9.1 megapixel sensor. Further innovation is exemplified by another camera mode, dubbed “Sweep Panorama” by Sony. This mode allows the user to simply hold the shutter button while “sweeping” with the camera to capture the desired panoramic view. Rounding things out is a 1080p (1440 x 1080) high definition video (30fps) mode, a tilt 3 inch LCD display, as well as a bevy of scene modes and in-camera editing options.
The Canon SX1 IS also features a number of cutting-edge features, starting with a 10 megapixel CMOS sensor that like the HX1 is attached to a 20x zoom with a total reach of 560mm. The real excitement over the SX1 stems from its prospects of becoming one of the first combination still/video camera, with it’s full implementation of 1080p video (30fps) and video friendly flip out LCD. In addition, the SX1 IS adds full RAW file support, even RAW + JPEG. Like the HX1, the SX1 IS also hosts numerous camera and scene modes including P,A,S,M for the more serious photographer, and ample in-camera editing features.
Obviously both cameras are feature rich, the HX1 looks like a very compelling choice compared to the SX1 IS. With 10 fps, innovative modes like “Sweep Panorama” and “Anti-Motion Blur”, and high definition video recording, all for $100 less than the SX1 IS, it deserves some serious attention. On the other hand, the SX1 IS looks to be the more “serious ” camera, with RAW support for the discerning photographer not to mention its near fully realized capabilities as a true hybrid still/video camera.
Now onto the specifications comparison.
Front
Rear
Sensor/Lens
pixels |
size |
lens |
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 |
|
|
|
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS |
|
|
|
File Size/File Formats/Video
image size |
formats |
Video |
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 |
Panorama:
|
|
|
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS |
|
|
|
Processing/AF Points/AF Modes
Processing |
AF Modes |
Image Stabilization |
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 |
|
|
|
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS |
|
|
|
Flash/LCD
Flash |
LCD Size |
LCD Resolution |
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 |
|
|
|
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS |
|
|
|
FPS/ISO/Live View
FPS |
ISO |
Metering |
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 |
|
|
|
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS |
|
|
|
The Fun Stuff
Modes |
Scene Modes |
Parameters |
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 |
|
|
Color Modes:
In Camera Editing:
|
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS |
|
|
My Colors:
|
Dimensions/Weight/Price
Dimensions |
Weight |
Price |
|
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 |
|
|
$499.95 |
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS |
|
|
$599.95 |
order the Sony Cyber-Shot DMC-HX1 at Amazon, B&H Photo
order the Canon Powershot SX1 IS at Amazon or B&H Photo
Continue the Discussion
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The HX1 also has video recording 1080p.
1440 x 1080 (30fps)
• 1280 x 720 (30fps)
• 640×480 (30fps)
Andrew, as you pointed out, the HX1 does have a form of 1080p, though it isn’t the typical 1920×1080 format implemented by the SX1. My point is that for better or worse the intent of the SX1 is more hybrid camera (at least disguised to look/seem that way) as opposed to a still camera with video tacked on.
Thanks for the heads up though!
sx1 is better than hx1 in countinus shooting because hx1 takes 10fps in 1 s then take time to save it bus sx1 takes 4 fps until the card is full
Ah, but which is the better camera?
Difficult to say Patrick until the tests from the labs come in but i personally am holding out for the hx1. The sweep and twilight functions (overlaying six shots) to reduce blur and noise sound great. Also have read in a few places that the video mode has quite a bit of tearing and wobble effect on sx1 when panning. Also i prefer the larger (non widescreen) lcd of hx1.
I’d suspect there’s bound to be issue with the HX1’s video as well, seems quite common amongst cameras with these sized sensors.
But as for fun features, definitely the HX1 has an edge over the SX1–then there’s the prices
The deal breaker for me with the Sony is that it doesn’t have a hot shoe. Especially with the long tele, there are times when I need a more powerfull flash, and increasing the ISO is not a good option.
Rick, excellent point, though I suspect most folks never even consider an external a possibility.
And ISO increases a definite no-no for these cameras.
Other than that, Sony uses those MS cards. They are harder to find and more expensive. Canon uses SD card… And, the Canon one is powered by 4xAA batteries. Sony uses it’s own type of battery. If you need an extra (and everyone does), it costs much more!
I agree with the MS cards, could they please just drop it already…the batteries? I’d prefer anything over using AAs…that’s just me though.
I have to agree with Patrick about the batteries. Even if those Sony batteries are more expensive, they’re also that much more powerful that I’ll gladly take that price – in my experience, they will usually outlive the AA batteries by a factor 3 to 4.
follow-up: bought the HX1, and I absolutely love its battery life!
MS Cards are almost a deal breaker for me though there is an adapter to allow the use of Micro SDHC cards which are much cheaper. I’ve not seen speed tests on using the adapter. Like many here I’m very strongly interested in purchasing one of these…. but which one…. right now I’m leaning Sony due to the panarama and twilite modes….HD video is important to me.
Did you check out DPR’s review of the HX1, if so…how are you feeling about it now?
Just sent my canon sx1 is back…and have had canon powershot cameras for about five years now. the sx1 is auto selects ISO 200 nearly every time you you the zoom, especially at 20x…meaning you get seriously over-exposed and noise-filled shots, even in bright daylight! The S5 IS is a far superior camera. theres also no way to turn this auto ISO off…even if you actually de-select it! sad story indeed…I will be purchasing the HX1.
Damn, that’s too bad, no way to disable auto ISO huh?
stu:
How long did you play with your SX1 for? I’ve had mine for a week, and of course you can disable auto ISO!
In full auto mode, the green auto setting, sure you only get the choice of AUTO or AUTO HIGH (the first prevents the camera choosing too high an ISO setting)
If you set it to P mode, which is what anyone who isn’t a complete novice should use as the most basic mode, you can choose auto, or lock it to 80, 100, etc etc.
Now my girlfriend has an EOS 400D, and guess what? In auto mode, the green auto setting, it will choose ANY iso, and you can’t lock it to just lower ones (doesn’t matter so much as it has a decent sensor) but Canon still won’t let you choose ISO manually until you’re in at least P mode.
This is presumably to stop someone who picks up the camera for the first time from doing something stupid.
What really annoys me on the 400D is that in full auto mode, it raises the flash BY ITSELF and this cannot be disabled! You half push to focus, and up pops the flash! You need to be in P mode to avoid this. At least on the SX1 in full auto you can take shots without flash (view finder says ‘raise flash’ but shot is taken fine with longer shutter speed, if you raise it then it uses the flash and shorter shutter speed).
I just did a quick test indoors, both set to 28mm, full auto.
EOS400D chose ISO400, and auto raised the shot.
SX1 chose ISO320 with the flash down, and ISO 250 with the flash up.
Yes the SX1 does seem to enjoy blowing highlights and making the shot overly bright, at times, but if you drop the EV slightly this can be avoided, and for normal prints/casual users having an optically stabilised lens going from 0cm macro to 560mm, for me at least outweighs the low noise advantages of the EOS.
Anyway, I must say I’ve never had any S series powershot previously, so how it compares to the S5 IS, well you’d be the better judge.
If I were after a bridge camera with better picture quality, it would be the Fuji S100FS without question. But I did want the HD movie mode, which works well, for the Fuji was out.
i basically use my camera to shoot my 3 and 5 year old kids who are always running wild and never lying still obviously, which cam is the best for my needs ?
A D300, but seriously jj, both of these camera likely could provide decent results, though I suspect in most cases for cameras like this it will mean an increase in ISO (for shutter speed’s sake) and thus noise.
thx Patrick
You’re welcome. Love to know what your camera is now for perspective…
Can I ask for a recommendation as well?
My camera usage is lots of concert visits (fast movement, low light, plus zoom, and sometimes a bit of video recording), plus a few vacations a year (landscapes, panoramas, zoom, …). Would the HX1 be the right one for me, or is there a better one that’s not a lot more expensive?
Fred,
Yeah that’s a tough one, given the low light aspect…In that class of camera (even for more $), given the same small sensors used, you’re going to have noise issues due to higher ISO. But the HX1 would likely be fine for the other uses. You might want to wait for a couple more reviews to get a better sense (we’ve requested a review unit–but I suspect we’ll be waiting for a spell)
Thanks Patrick, I still have about a month before I need to make a decision, so I’m not in a terrible hurry and I will await the detailed review(s). I hope you will receive that review unit and then maybe you can tell me more about its low light performance.
We’ll keep pushing for it, but I gather this camera will do/is doing well for them…seems to be a big demand.
Decided to go for the camera (you were right… it took me some time, it *is* in big demand), and I haven’t regretted it yet. This is one great camera, in so many ways. Image quality is great with sufficient lighting, and average in very low light situations without flash… though I’ve seen quite a few cameras that would not even be able to take pictures in those situations at all. And it’s very fast!!! So all in all, this definitely works for me!
Plz suggest me that ,if i don’t need panorama than would SX1 be a better choice to buy for outdoor photography and vedio
A newbie here – I love all your comments, they’ve been ridiculously helpful. Does anyone know if there is an underwater case for the Sony HX1? I know there aren’t any the Canon. Also, when would one need a 20x zoom as opposed to the 12x zoom provided by the Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS3? I’ve narrowed my next camera purchase to either the Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS3 or the Sony HX1 with these reviews – but between them, I have no clue on the pro’s and con’s aside from zoom, bulkiness, and price. Can anyone offer any suggestions – thank you!
lisa,
I certainly don’t see a “Sony” underwater case for the HX1, don’t know for sure about any third party possibilities…Between the two you mentioned the ZS3 is a very good camera with numerous rave reviews. The HX1 is still a camera I’d want to hear more about.
Thanks a bunch Patrick! Now all I have to do is go out and buy it – does anyone have recommendations about the best place to purchase a camera? Or its underwater case? (Both in terms of price and service/warranty). Thanks again!
Wow, the ZS3 is hard to get right now, but we of course like B&H, Adorama, and Amazon best.
The underwater case for the HX1 does exist.. see eg. here:
http://www.techshout.com/cameras/2009/03/sony-launches-new-line-of-cyber-shot-and-handycam-camera-accessories/
follow up of jj’s msg.. a nikon d300 is way more $ than these 2..
I was being sarcastic, but clearly—much more money. Still, I think getting great results from either camera in a dark setting, with movement is very unlikely.
Thanks Patrick. I have a 3 & 2 & 1… really busy… also they broke my old camera, so I haven’t taken many photos for the 1 yr old. I’ve noticed that since they can move so fast that most regular digital camera will produce “ghostly” effect which I am shopping for one to Not have that. In the room light or with recesse light, could you recommend a “hybrid” in the price range around $600? Thank you in advance.
jb,
The trouble is, shooting dynamic subjects will be problematic for any of these cameras. Though they feature image stabilization, that doesn’t protect you from motion blur. That’s solved by shutter speed, and with these cameras, a faster shutter speed is helped by raising ISO, and even moderate ISO increases on these cameras, from $600 on down, leads to excessive noise. Of course flash helps, but in the end one camera likely won’t perform much better than another—for this purpose. Given that, the HX1, even the Canon SX10 IS, or Panasonic FZ28 might provide you with most of what you need, for less. Otherwise—you’ll need to look into DSLRs, with faster apertures on lenses, and better ISO. In other words, you could spend less money for similar end results or more $$$ for better results.
Hi Patrick, thanks for your deatil explanation. I might stay away from DSLR – probably too complex.
I might end up just flipping a coin to choose one… they all have it’s strength.. though i tend to like Canon’s hybrid function over Sony. Thanks again for your kindness in helping me
Hello, newbie here..
am thinking of purchasing one compact camera and it is a toss between hx1 and sx1. i shot moving stuffs a lot, especially for the marching band (mostly outdoor) and also do some street photography like the sartorialist (thesartorialist.blogspot.com), it’s more for fashion use, so i guess am looking for camera that can give me a great detailed picture, so that i can still get a good image whenever i try to focus on any part of the picture taken..
any help wil be very helpful..
thanks in advance.
karl,
neither camera provides excellent image quality, more like very good image quality, I doubt there’d be very big differences between the 2, but so you know…in reviews the Canon SX10 IS usually is preferred for IQ over the SX1–and at big savings too.
Too be clear, I haven’t used either, but that’s the consensus I get from reviews.
thanks so much, Patrick..
sx10 is a good option, but am thinking more of a hybrid cam. so, considering what i’ve said earlier in the prev comment, can i stil count on either hx1 or sx1 for a decent picture(i guess i have to forget the great detailed picture in return for a hybrid no.).. so then, which one is more preferable if u would suggest me, between cony hx1 and canon sx1?
thanks in advance.
sorry for the delay,
I don’t know, I think I’d get the HX1, it does have that 10fps which may or may not help, while the SX1 might have a slight edge in resolution on video. As for IQ, both will be about the same, meaning good IQ. The SX1 does RAW, but it doesn’t provide a clear advantage…Given the pricing, and the features the HX1 provides, I’d probably get it.
Guys hi ‘I have been reading the comments above and I am amazed about the level of technical understanding of cameras I, used to have a compact cybershot and I have some amazing pictures now I am stepping up to the H X1.tomorrow, I however want to know where I can learn online How to use the the camera to its fullest
I have been lucky enough to have both these cameras together for a day.
Headlines: poor focus on the SX1 – in low light on the end on the lens it will take 4 seconds if at all, particularly in video mode. Also it will let you take a picture before it has focused i.e. you MUST half press the shutter before taking a photo if AF mode.
SX 1 advantages:
less compression on videos
bigger and easier (but lower res) viewfinder
better audio
easy 16:9 / 4:3 switching and 16:9 displays.
Poor control ring – not really usable for accurate manual focus, shocking scene selection!
HX1 advantages
better / faster focus in difficult light
better low light video
twilight & panorama
poor viewfinder 4:3 only, not good for use with glasses
Other than that the cameras are much the same, very small differences in pic quality, some small features better than others, both very good cameras.
Hey all,
So i cant afford the SX1, my options are the HX1 or the SX10.
I love the extra features that you get in the HX1 only drawback is that some of the reviews say the image quality isnt that good for large photos. What exactly does that mean?? i mostly print 5×7 size photographs. Is that considered large?
Would the image quality of SX10 and HX1 be similar at this photo size?
If you want HD movies, get the HX1 otherwise the SX10 would be fine for you. 5 x 7 is considered small so no problem there on either camera
Hi…I am planning to buy a camera this weekend…..my budget is between 500 -600$….so wt do u guys think…shld i go for sony dschx1 of canon SX1…. my usages is generally vacation photos, kids photos and maybe some b’day partues etc….PLEASE SUGGEST!!!
if you dont care about HD video or burst get an SX10 otherwise the two cameras are very similar – see my post above
hi johny thanks for the suggesttion….I’ve zeroed in to buy the sony hx1………mainly coz of all the fun stuff and lesser cost!!!
hi jony…i ve zeroed it on the sony hx1 coz of the fun stuff and lesser pricing….thanx once again…..
naren,
Had I noticed this in time, I’d have agreed with the HX1, IQ-wise it’ll be about the same, and it’ll be cheaper. I think you’ll like it.
Is it just me, but the pics on the SX1 seem very noisy with odd pixels much brighter/ darker than they should be. Have a look at http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canonsx1is_samples/ and zoom in on the full res bird shot to see what I mean. People say the image quality is good but my old fuji 602 is better that this!
jon,
I’ve noticed some noise myself….I think the SX10 is just such a better value, still there are those SX1 fans out there….
There is some noise but you can get rid of it with a 2 pixel blur. It also depends how you view it, eg xp viewer adds blur in! I needed the HD video OW I would have got the sx10 or the Fujifilms cameras are very good on noise.
thanx patrick…as of now im enjoying the HX1….
Oh, that’s good. I keep hearing good things from owners.
Is there really underwater housing for the hx1? I am not seeing it. That may be the deal breaker for me. Other than that, it seems like for me, hx1 advantage is that it is faster and better in low light, sx1 advantage is better video.
I was thinking there wasn’t one at least not from Sony…still not sure about the answer to this one.
bought the hx1 for my daughter. already has a old canon slr, WITH LENSES, have i made big mistake??????
hello patrick u r tellng dat sx1 is not gud and hx1 is better.sx1 covers all the disadvantages of hx1 and includng hot shoe for more flash , and a full hd movie recordng and a gud picture quality and eventhough overall sx1 is much much better than hx1.but unfortunately itz price is larger than sx1, if u ignore dat the sx1 is an outstandng cam wth outstandng performance 2 a non professional customers too…,then it is a semi professional cam and it can control shutter speed manualy ,and in hx1 it is only semi manual..i expect a reply from u
monu,
that’s just my opinion, HX1 has an interesting feature set for the likely user of a camera of this type. Personally I wouldn’t buy either, since neither compares to DSLR image quality, but that’s just me.
thanks Patrick so much!
there are so many useful com. in this article..
helloo
m new to photography & m planning to buy a camera
which one will be better for me
“Sony cyber shot DSC HX1″ or “Canon powershot SX1 IS” ????? pls help me out or suggest me any of camera
Anu,
I like the HX1 between the two, more affordable and offers some neat features (sweep panorama).
There is no doubt that the canon powershot sx1is is the best superzoom camera. Together with its true sized HD, better IS and zoom as well as continuous shooting, RAW ability and hot shoe for external flashes, it is a good package, especially now that the prices has dropped considerably
By the way, what was your rating or scores for the canon powershot sx1is?
John,
we never got more than some brief time with the sx1 is, I’m always torn on my opinion of these type of cameras, because I think folks would be better off with a DSLR especially at the SX1 is original cost. Of course now there’s some newer options that might look equally compelling…I should be reviewing some of those soon.
Fred,
nothing better than a satisfied customer. What’s your favorite thing about it? How’s the performance? And perhaps a link to some pictures?
Hi Patrick, the camera performs absolutely wonderful. It’s fast in almost all situations, just like a true SLR camera. I still have so many options to explore that I’m hesitant to mention a favorite thing yet, though some of the options I like very much are how well it performs in low light (especially with flash, but it works amazingly well without at medium distances), the large range of the flash (combined with the zoom), the excellent battery life, and the intelligence of the ‘Scene Recognition’ mode (which takes 2 pictures at once in problematic lighting situations, with different settings so you can choose the best one). Even the sweep panorama mode works remarkably well as long as the objects are not moving. For now I’m still experimenting with it almost entirely on automatic settings… I guess I’ll try the manual settings when the need arises. End of this week my (3-week) holiday trip will start… I’ll see if I can make some nice pictures and put them up somewhere for you to see (once I’m back).
Fred,
that sounds very good. Enjoy your vacation…and looking forward to some pics!